[Publius6961]

Well, the explanation is simple. Even national leadership can be ignorant and clueless.
Didn't Dubya refer to islam as "the religion of peace" for the first few years of his administration?
And if the leadership is clueless, what can we expect from Congress and the State Department?

Thankfully, he eventually concluded that we idjits would rather believe our own eyes and ears...

[gimmeone]

True, but this indicates a distinct change in American foreign policy.
When did this change take place?
Upon whose initiative?
If elected, will John McCain continue this policy?
What does Robinson think?